Navigating the intricacies of an older Intermatic timer can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not familiar with its unique features. However, with a little patience and guidance, you can master the art of setting this time-honored device and enjoy the convenience it offers. Our comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps involved, providing clear instructions and helpful tips to ensure a seamless experience. Prepare to delve into the world of Intermatic timers and unlock the secrets to setting them like a pro.
Before embarking on your timer-setting journey, it’s crucial to gather the necessary tools. A flat-head screwdriver will serve as your trusty companion, allowing you to make adjustments to the timer’s settings. Additionally, a flashlight may prove invaluable in dimly lit areas, assisting you in accurately reading the timer’s display. With these tools at your disposal, you’re ready to conquer the challenge of setting your Intermatic timer.
To begin, locate the timer’s dial, which is typically situated on the front panel. This dial is adorned with a series of numbers representing the hours of the day. Using the flat-head screwdriver, gently pry the dial loose from its housing, taking care not to damage the delicate components underneath. Once the dial is free, you can proceed to the next step in our timer-setting adventure.
Safety First: Unplug the Timer
Unplug the timer from the power source before doing anything. It might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s crucial to start by cutting off the electricity supply to the timer. This simple step will not only protect you from electrical shock but also prevent any damage to the timer itself or the equipment it controls.
How to unplug the timer safely:
- Locate the power cord of the timer. It’s typically a black or white cord with a three-pronged plug.
- Follow the cord to the outlet it’s plugged into.
- Grip the plug firmly and pull it straight out of the outlet.
- Do not yank on the cord, as this can damage it and create a safety hazard.
Additional safety tips:
- If you have wet or damp hands, wrap them in a dry cloth before touching the plug or outlet.
- Inspect the power cord and plug for any damage or fraying. If damaged, replace the cord immediately.
- Never attempt to plug or unplug a timer with wet hands.
- Keep children and pets away from the timer and outlet.
Identifying the Timer Model
To set your Intermatic timer correctly, you must first identify its model. Intermatic timers have a wide range of models, each with its unique features and settings. To find the model of your timer:
- Locate the label on the front of the timer.
- Find the model number printed on the label. It typically begins with the letters “T100” or “T104” followed by a series of numbers.
- Refer to the Intermatic timer manual or website to determine the specific model of your timer based on the model number.
Once you have identified the model of your timer, you can proceed to set it up according to the specific instructions provided for that model.
Here is a table with some common Intermatic timer models and their corresponding model numbers:
| Model | Model Number |
|---|---|
| Intermatic T100 | T100R, T100D |
| Intermatic T104 | T104R, T104D |
| Intermatic T106 | T106R, T106D |
Removing the Old Timer
Before installing the new Intermatic timer, you must first remove the old one. Here’s how to do it safely:
1. Turn off the power to the electrical panel. Locate the circuit breaker or fuse that controls the power to the timer and turn it off. This will prevent any electrical shock hazards.
2. Remove the faceplate of the timer. Most faceplates are held in place by screws or clips. Use a screwdriver or your fingers to remove the faceplate and expose the timer’s mechanism.
3. Disconnect the wires from the timer. The wires are typically connected to the timer using screw terminals. Use a screwdriver to loosen the screws and disconnect the wires. Make sure you note which wire goes to which terminal. This will be important when you connect the new timer.
4. Remove the mounting screws. The timer is typically held in place by two or more mounting screws. Use a screwdriver to remove these screws.
5. Pull the timer out of the electrical box. Once the screws are removed, you should be able to pull the timer out of the electrical box. Be careful not to damage any wires or components.
| Type of Wire | Terminal Color |
|---|---|
| Line | Black |
| Load | Red |
| Neutral | White |
Preparing the Wires
Before you can begin wiring the timer, you need to prepare the wires. This involves stripping the insulation from the ends of the wires and then twisting the exposed wires together. To strip the insulation, use a wire stripper. Place the wire in the stripper and squeeze the handles to cut through the insulation.
Once you have stripped the insulation, you need to twist the exposed wires together. To do this, hold the wires together and twist them clockwise until they are tightly twisted together. Be sure to twist them tightly enough so that they will not come apart.
Once you have twisted the wires together, you need to tin them. Tinning the wires will help to prevent them from corroding and will also make it easier to solder them together. To tin the wires, heat a soldering iron and then touch the tip of the soldering iron to the twisted wires. The solder will melt and flow onto the wires, coating them with a thin layer of metal.
| Wire Color | Terminal |
|---|---|
| Black | L1 |
| White | L2 |
| Red | T1 |
| Green | T2 |
Once you have tinned the wires, you are ready to connect them to the timer. Be sure to connect the wires to the correct terminals. The black wire should be connected to the L1 terminal, the white wire should be connected to the L2 terminal, the red wire should be connected to the T1 terminal, and the green wire should be connected to the T2 terminal.
Connecting the New Timer
1. Turn off the power to the circuit at the breaker panel.
2. Remove the faceplate of the old timer by pressing on the tabs on the sides and pulling it straight toward you.
3. Disconnect the wires from the old timer. Note the position of each wire so you can connect them to the new timer in the same way.
4. Mount the new timer in the electrical box. Make sure the timer is level and secure.
5. Connect the wires to the new timer. Use wire nuts to secure the connections.
| Wire Color | Connection |
|---|---|
| Black | Line |
| White | Neutral |
| Red | Load |
6. Push the wires back into the electrical box and screw on the faceplate.
7. Turn on the power to the circuit at the breaker panel.
8. Set the time on the new timer.
9. Test the timer by turning on and off the device that is connected to it.
Setting the Clock
1. Locate the Time Set Knob
The Time Set knob is usually located on the front of the timer. It is typically a round, black knob with a white arrow pointing to the current time.
2. Pull Out the Knob
Gently pull the Time Set knob out until it stops.
3. Turn the Knob to Set the Current Time
Turn the knob clockwise or counterclockwise to set the current time. The arrow on the knob should point to the correct time.
4. Push the Knob Back In
Once the time is set, gently push the knob back into place.
5. Check the Time
Compare the time on the timer to a reliable time source, such as a watch or clock. If the time is incorrect, repeat steps 2-4.
6. Detailed Explanation of Steps 2-4
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Pull Out the Knob | Pulling out the knob disengages the timer’s internal mechanism, allowing you to adjust the time manually. |
| Turn the Knob to Set the Current Time | As you turn the knob, the arrow on the knob will move around the dial, indicating the new time. Turn the knob slowly and precisely to ensure an accurate setting. |
| Push the Knob Back In | Pushing the knob back into place locks the timer’s internal mechanism and engages the time-keeping function. The timer will now start keeping track of the current time from the moment you pushed the knob back in. |
Programming the ON/OFF Times
Step 1: Locate the Timer Dial
Identify the large, circular dial on the timer with hourly markings from 1 to 12. The dial is divided into 15-minute segments.
Step 2: Determine the Current Time
Align the 12 o’clock mark on the dial with the current time on a clock.
Step 3: Set the ON Time
Locate the small tabs on the dial’s outer edge. Push out any tabs corresponding to the hours and minutes when you want the timer to turn on.
Step 4: Push the Tabs In
Once you have set the desired ON time, push all the other tabs back in.
Step 5: Repeat for the OFF Time
Follow steps 2-4 to set the time when you want the timer to turn off.
Step 6: Verify the Settings
Check the dial to ensure that the tabs are set accurately for the desired ON and OFF times.
Step 7: Consider the Dial’s Rotation
The Intermatic timer dial rotates counterclockwise, completing a full rotation every 24 hours.
For example: If you set the timer to turn on at 6:00 AM and turn off at 8:00 PM, the tabs for 6:00 AM through 8:00 PM on the dial’s outer edge will be pushed out, while all other tabs will be pushed in.
The timer will then repeat this 24-hour cycle daily, turning on and off at the specified times.
Testing the Timer
After setting the timer’s schedule, it’s essential to test it to ensure proper functionality. Here’s a detailed guide on how to test your Intermatic timer:
1. Turn on the Power Source
Ensure the power source connected to the timer is turned on or plugged in.
2. Set the Current Time
Using the dial or buttons provided on the timer, set the current time accurately.
3. Adjust the Trippers
Locate the trippers on the timer dial or switch. Move them to the desired on/off times you want the timer to control.
4. Power Cycle the Device
Turn the timer off and then back on. This action resets the timer’s internal circuitry.
5. Check the Output
Connect a device, such as a light or appliance, to the timer’s output terminals. Observe whether the device turns on and off at the scheduled times.
6. Test in Real-Time
Leave the timer running for a while to monitor its performance. Check if the output device operates as expected over an extended period.
7. Adjust the Trippers as Needed
If the timer does not operate as expected, slightly adjust the trippers to fine-tune the on/off times.
8. Troubleshooting Common Issues
If the timer malfunctions, check the following:
| Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No Output | Trippers not set correctly | Adjust trippers to the desired on/off times. |
| Output Constant | Trippers stuck in one position | Manually move trippers to release them. |
| Timer Not Keeping Time | Clock malfunction | Replace the timer or contact support. |
| Timer Tripping Too Early or Late | Trippers misaligned | Fine-tune the tripper positions. |
Reinstallation
Once you’ve replaced the faulty timer, it’s time to reinstall the panel. 1. Carefully insert the panel back into the enclosure. 2. Secure the panel with the screws you removed earlier. 3. Turn the power back on at the circuit breaker or fuse box.
Finishing Touches
With the timer reinstalled, you can now make any necessary adjustments to the settings. 1. Set the current time by turning the dial until the time indicator points to the correct hour. 2. Set the on and off times by turning the trippers to the desired positions. 3. Adjust the run time by turning the dial until the desired run time is displayed.
Table: Example Setting for a Lamp Timer
| Time | Setting |
|---|---|
| 6:00 AM | Tripper 1 ON |
| 9:00 PM | Tripper 1 OFF |
4. Once you’ve made all the necessary adjustments, your Intermatic timer is ready to use. 5. Test the timer by turning the appliance on and off manually. The appliance should turn on and off at the times you’ve set.
6. If the timer is not working properly, check the following: – Make sure that the power is turned on at the circuit breaker or fuse box. – Make sure that the timer is properly installed in the enclosure. – Make sure that the trippers are set to the correct positions. – Make sure that the run time is set to the desired duration.
7. If you’ve checked all of these things and the timer is still not working properly, you may need to replace the timer.
8. With proper care and maintenance, your Intermatic timer will provide years of reliable service.
9. Here are some additional tips for using your Intermatic timer: – Use the override button to manually turn the appliance on or off. – Use the vacation mode to set different on and off times for when you’re away from home. – Use the random mode to deter burglars by turning the appliance on and off at random times.
Troubleshooting Tips
If your Intermatic timer is not working properly, there are a few things you can check:
1. Check the power supply. Make sure that the timer is plugged in and that the power switch is turned on.
2. Check the batteries. If your timer is battery-operated, make sure that the batteries are fresh.
3. Check the wiring. Make sure that the wires are connected properly to the timer and to the device that you are trying to control.
4. Check the settings. Make sure that the timer is set to the correct time and that the program is set up correctly.
5. Check the override switch. If your timer has an override switch, make sure that it is not turned on.
6. Check the manual. If you are still having problems, consult the manual for your specific timer model.
Intermatic Timer Quick Troubleshooting Tips Table
| If Timer… | …Then |
|---|---|
| Does not turn on | Check power supply, batteries, and wiring. |
| Turns on but does not control device | Check wiring and settings. |
| Turns on and off at incorrect times | Check settings. |
| Does not respond to buttons | Check override switch and manual. |
7. Reset the timer. If all else fails, you can try resetting the timer. To do this, unplug the timer from the power outlet and then plug it back in. This will clear all of the settings and restore the timer to its factory default settings.
8. Contact customer support. If you are still having problems, you can contact Intermatic customer support for assistance.
9. Replace the timer. If your timer is old or damaged, you may need to replace it.
10. Inspect the Timer’s Circuit Board for Broken Components or Loose Connections:
If you have checked all of the above and your timer still isn’t working, you may need to open it up and inspect the circuit board. Look for any broken components or loose connections. If you find any, you can try to repair them yourself or take the timer to a qualified electrician.
How to Set an Old Intermatic Timer
Intermatic timers are commonly used to control the lighting of outdoor lights, but they can also be used for other applications that require a timer. If you have an old Intermatic timer that you need to set, follow these steps:
- Locate the timer’s dial.
- Turn the dial to the current time. The 12 o’clock position should be pointing straight up.
- Locate the timer’s trippers. The trippers are small, plastic tabs that are located around the edge of the dial. Each tripper represents a different time of day.
- Press down on the trippers that you want to activate. The trippers will pop out and engage the timer’s contacts.
- Turn the dial to the time that you want the timer to turn on. The timer will turn on when the dial reaches the time that you have set.
People Also Ask About How to Set an Old Intermatic Timer
How do I know if my Intermatic timer is working?
You can test your Intermatic timer by turning the dial to the “on” position. If the timer turns on, then it is working properly.
How do I reset my Intermatic timer?
To reset your Intermatic timer, simply turn the dial to the “off” position and then back to the “on” position.
How do I change the battery in my Intermatic timer?
To change the battery in your Intermatic timer, remove the screws that hold the timer’s cover in place. Once the cover is removed, you will be able to access the battery. Replace the old battery with a new one and then replace the cover.
